New Outdoor Pavilion/Classroom at Rochester Childfirst Network Crafted and Raised by New Energy Works Timberframers
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Children, teachers, and administration of Rochester Childfirst Network (RCN) celebrated the raising of their timber frame outdoor pavilion/classroom by New Energy Works Timberframers on Wednesday, November 21st, 2018. The timber frame pavilion is part of RCN's Capital Campaign efforts to create safe, accessible play with quality outdoor learning for the many children they serve.
Timber frame raisings are special, celebrating both craft and shelter. New Energy Works provided this work as a gift-in-kind to RCN, supplemented by a grant from IDEX Health and Science to cover the costs of the foundation. "This is an exciting day for the entire community, as it is the culmination of years of planning and dreaming," said Marsha Dumka, RCN's interim Executive Director. "This new pavilion will provide endless opportunities for true outdoor learning for our children."
"We're excited to play a role in revitalizing RCN's campus and providing a unique structure for kids to learn and play," said Eric Fraser, Timber Frame General Manager at New Energy Works. "Our team has been donating their time and skills to designing and crafting the frame and despite the winter weather, we enjoyed raising it, especially seeing the excitement of the kids and RCN staff!"
"The timber frame structure is an integral part of the project design, expressing a commitment to sustainability and use of natural, renewable resources," stated Tom Robinson, Landscape Architect with Barton & Loguidice. Timber framing is a traditional form of building structures of heavy timber jointed together with pegged mortise and tenon joints. The craft is sought after not only for its aesthetic but also for the longevity and efficiency it provides over more common structures. "We're planning to incorporate a living roof on part of the timber frame pavilion which will be visible from the main buildings and provide another learning opportunity for the children," continued Robinson.
The Outdoor Pavilion/Classroom will act as the centerpiece of RCN's backyard play environment, a new initiative to incorporate more natural, accessible play opportunities. The pavilion concept design was developed collaboratively with RCN, and is being supported by local partners including Broccolo Tree & Lawn Care, IDEX Health & Science, and Barton & Loguidice. The conceptual design embraces a synergy of environmental science, art, and architecture to achieve the project goals.
"We're very excited to see the pavilion take form and so thankful to New Energy Works for donating all of their efforts including the timber frame design, the timbers themselves, the crafting and raising of the 20' x 30' timber frame pavilion," said Robinson. The Douglas fir timbers, will support a roof system with a green, living roof and water harvesting technologies.
RCN's Outdoor Pavilion/Classroom will provide unique opportunities for children to learn and play outdoors in a "natural playground" environment with found forms to encourage exploration and free play with natural materials. The pavilion will function as an outdoor classroom for teaching with incorporation of a learning garden and the living roof as well as offering shelter for events throughout the year.
About the RCN: Rochester Childfirst Network is a leader in early education, child care, community outreach and national advocacy for children and their caregivers. The third oldest child care center in the United States, RCN provides direct services to 250 children at its two sites in Rochester, and touches the lives of nearly 2,000 children in home-based childcare businesses. Its professional staff of experts allows children to learn though a sense of play, in nurturing settings surrounded by children with a wide variety of abilities from all backgrounds and cultures.
About New Energy Works: New Energy Works Timberframers have been designing and building environmentally responsible timber frames across the USA for more than 30 years from their facilities in Oregon and New York. Offerings include: Timber Framing (design, engineering, manufacturing, build), Enclosure Systems, Fine Woodworking, and Recycled and Sustainable wood products. New Energy Works has two LEED AP staff members, is a member of the US Green Building Council, and is FSC Certified.
SOURCE New Energy Works
